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Angry Ange says Roos don't fear Belgium

Liam FitzGibbon

The Socceroos fear no one in world football, as one Belgian journalist has learned the hard way.

Australian coach Ange Postecoglou slammed a local reporter as disrespectful after being asked whether his side was "afraid" of the world's fifth-ranked team heading into Thursday's (Friday morning AEST) friendly match in Liege.

Postecoglou was clearly offended on Wednesday when the reporter pointed out to him Australia had lost four straight games and Belgium were poised to inflict another defeat.

"Yeah, we're terrified," Postecoglou said sarcastically.

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"It's very true (it could be the fifth straight loss). It could be the first (win) as well, couldn't it? Come on.

"No, no we're not afraid, is that what you want me to say?

"Belgium are a very good side but we met some very good sides at the World Cup and I'm not sure if you watched it at all, but I don't think we were afraid in the World Cup so we're not going to be afraid here."

Postecoglou was later asked by another reporter about Belgian coach Marc Wilmots' assessment of Australia's strengths being their physicality and set piece ability.

And he couldn't resist another swipe.

"What, he didn't say we were going to be afraid or anything?" Postecoglou said.

"Maybe he has more respect than some other people, that's good."

Postecoglou reiterated his desire for his players to use the friendly to build further on the foundations laid at the World Cup, where they put in spirited performances against Chile, Netherlands and Spain.

While Australia lost all three of those games, midfielder Mile Jedinak said there was no reason they couldn't pull off a huge scalp against the World Cup quarter-finalists.

"I think it's time to take a scalp, no matter what," Crystal Palace skipper Jedinak said.

"I think every game you play for the national team you want to win.

"People can say what they like about friendly games but tomorrow we're going out to win the game."

Postecoglou said Robbie Kruse's long-awaited international return was looking doubtful after the winger suffered a scare in training.

Kruse, who is yet to play a competitive match since undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery in January, fell awkwardly on Tuesday.

While he hasn't reinjured his knee, Postecoglou hinted he could be saved for Monday's match with Saudi Arabia in London.

"He's pulled up a bit sore and without training he'd be doubtful," Postecoglou said.

"He's obviously just coming back from injury. From our perspective he's back in camp, which is good, but in terms of the game, we'll see how he feels."

If Kruse is ruled out, young winger Ben Halloran could start the match.

Postecoglou also confirmed former England youth international Brad Smith was yet to receive his eligibility clearance from FIFA and may not be available for his Socceroos debut against Belgium.

"If it doesn't come through tomorrow, we're very confident it will come through for Monday's game," he said.